SIMI VALLEY : Sixth-Graders Bring Cheer to Elderly Shut-Ins

For some students, school field trips entail visits to zoos or museums, mere excuses to goof off and get out of class.

But the sixth-graders at Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Simi Valley took a different sort of trip Friday as they spent the day bringing gifts and Christmas cheer to shut-in elderly residents in Simi Valley.

Led by their guitar-strumming teacher Richard Ferrin, 14 boys and one girl belted out such holiday classics as “Joy to the World,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Silent Night” at a dozen stops around town.

At Beverly Residence Home Care Center, elf-designate Karl Rossman, 12, handed out red felt stockings stuffed with candy, gloves, soap and toothpaste.

“It’s fun to be able to come and sing for people who can’t get out,” Karl said. “They might not get too many presents, so this way at least they get something.”

Elaine Carpenter, 70, said she was delighted with the carolers.

“I’ll tell my children I got a sock,” Carpenter said as she inspected the contents of her stocking. “I think they’ll get a kick out of that.”

The troupe was accompanied by Simi Valley Police Officer Sterling Johnson and his prize-winning German shepherd Charly, who patiently endured a jingle bell collar around his neck, antlers strapped on his head and the eager affection of carolers and audience alike.

“He’s used to it,” Johnson said of his canine partner. “It’s all in a day’s work.”